Subscribers to Astra’s new high definition platform can expect to pay in the region of €4.50 per month, believe industry insiders.
In an interview with Handelsblatt, SES CEO Romain Bausch would not be drawn on the costing, which would be significantly lower than the fees levied in other European markets. “We are planning a very low monthly or annual fee, which covers the technical effort and the channels [broadcasting] in HDTV will encouraged to invest. In the first year there will be no charge anyway,” said Bausch.
SES is treading carefully following the furore that surrounded Entavio, the last attempt to introduce a fee structure for the reception of thematic channels in the German market. The Entavio project, which would have charged a monthly €3.50, was ultimately blocked by the Federal Cartel Office.
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